SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTED TO WILLOW SPRINGS RESIDENT BY LOCAL EAA CHAPTER

David Hines, son of Jack and Ann Hines of Willow Springs, Mo. has received a unique full-scholarship opportunity for flight training, thanks to EAA Chapter #1218 of Willow Springs and the Ray Aviation Scholarship program administered by the Experimental Aircraft Association in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

The Ray Aviation Scholars program provides up to $10,000 scholarships to young people who are seeking to learn to fly. The Ray Foundation has provided $1.2 million to fund the scholarship program, which seeks to improve the flight training success rate from the current industry standards of 20 percent to 80 percent for program participants. Local EAA chapters are responsible for identifying youth for the Ray Aviation Scholarship program and mentoring them through flight training. The Ray Foundation is furthering the legacy of James Ray, an EAA lifetime member who was dedicated to aviation and youth education. 

In the first year of the program, 105 scholars were awarded flight training scholarships. The success rate for those scholars is likely to exceed the goal of 80 percent. 

David will be trained by his father, a Certified Flight Instructor at the Willow Springs, Missouri Municipal Airport. David will be training in the Ozark Aviators Flying Club’s Cessna 172.  The scholarship is designed to support a flight student through both written and practical segments of flight training that are part of successful FAA pilot certification.  This is the third student awarded the $10,000 scholarship by EAA Chapter 1218.  Previously receiving the award were Trent McBride, Eminence and Chase Garrison, Willow Springs.

EAA chapters play a critical role in the success of the Ray Aviation Scholarship program. Chapters interested in participating are prequalified by EAA through an application process. If selected, they mentor and support the scholarship recipient throughout their flight training journey. Once selected as a Ray Aviation Scholarship Fund participant, candidates also commit to volunteer service with the local EAA chapter.

EAA Chapter #1218 is one of 900 local chapters of the Experimental Aircraft Association, the world’s largest organization for recreational flying. It meets at 810 Bryan Street, Willow Springs on the second Saturday of the month. More information on EAA Chapter #1218 is available at Chapter 1218 (eaa.org)

About EAA

EAA embodies the spirit of aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA’s 230,000 members and 900 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org. For continual news updates, connect with www.twitter.com/EAA.